Labor Ministry Confirms Social Security Board Election On Track

Labor Minister Chulphan Amornvivatana said on August 13 that the Social Security Office has not issued any order to delay the board election, despite a temporary suspension of voter registration processes. Other election preparations, including ballot printing, venue arrangement, and staff training, continue as planned.

When asked whether the registration halt would exempt approximately 12 million insured persons and employers from having to register, Chulphan said the ministry must consult the courts to clarify how legal conflicts arising from the suspension should be handled and what procedures to follow once the court rules.

Chulphan stressed that the Social Security Office has never ordered a postponement and has not issued any such order to date. He emphasized that the Labor Ministry's responsibility extends beyond simply holding an election—every step must comply with the law and be conducted with absolute rigor. The election has faced complaints on multiple fronts, including registration and voting day issues. Careless implementation could trigger larger grievances and undermine the election's integrity.

"We are not just holding an election for the sake of it," Chulphan said. "We must ensure every procedure follows the law and is executed with the highest standards."

The ministry also plans to organize debate forums for candidates from both the insured and employer sides to present their policies equally, ensuring voters have complete information to make informed choices. Chulphan called on media to give prominence to these forums so all candidates can present their platforms fairly.

Regarding the publication of the voter list, originally scheduled for August 10, Chulphan said the ministry must consult the courts on which roster to use and how to announce it, ensuring the announcement does not violate relevant regulations. The ministry will take time to clarify these points but work within a reasonable timeframe.